Difference Between Prawns and Shrimps

Prawns and shrimps are a delicacy that is enjoyed by many. Seafood is a weakness for many, and is a healthy option too as it has nutritional value especially abundant calcium and protein. The downside of prawns and shrimps is that it is high in cholesterol and therefore is not a safe option for those who have a heart condition or have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease. For those who do not have extensive knowledge of the two kinds of aquatic species, they are confused for one another, even in the kitchen amongst cooking experts. When looking at a menu, a customer feels that the two are the same, therefore why feel the need to mention the two separately.

Prawns

Prawn is the general term used in the British region for shrimps and prawns alike. As part of their characteristics, prawns have exoskeletons included with 10 snippets like legs. These resemble that of a crab’s; however, they are not as dangerous. All around the world prawns are found abundantly from fresh water and salt water alike and are therefore termed fresh water prawns or salt water prawns accordingly.

Shrimps

Shrimps are considered to be smaller versions of prawns. Just like the prawns, shrimps are found in both fresh water bodies and salt water and are therefore named accordingly. There isn’t any difference in the taste or the texture of the shrimps coming from the different water bodies; it is simply a distinguishing characteristic as to where they bred. Shrimps have an exoskeleton with 10 legs attached. Shrimps are generally found towards the bottom of the ocean.

Difference between Prawns and Shrimps

Though prawns and shrimps look very alike, their major distinction comes in their size. In the United States, shrimps and prawns are generally termed as shrimps, whereas in Britain, they are referred to as prawns.

Prawns are described to be much larger than shrimps and a certain variety of prawns is also called “jumbo prawns”.

In its anatomical features, a prawn has a longer set of legs as compared to shrimps whereas the shrimp has larger snippets than a prawn’s.

During the breeding season, prawns lay their eggs and then leave it to develop on their own. A shrimp on the other hand does not leave its eggs independent and remains present for the entire breeding period.

Prawns are also distinguished by their translucent covering whereas a shrimp have dark coloration.

Conclusion

Both shrimps and prawns are an abundant source of vitamins, especially vitamin E and D which is essential for the development of bones. The omega 3 present in shrimps and prawns are known as healthy cholesterol, however, it is their usage in large amounts that is infamous amongst people with heart disease. The distinction is difficult for any layman to make however, for those interested there are a lot more biological distinctions that are present. The two come from the same lineage of aquatic species, however, their suborders get different when coming down the family line.